Fortuna artist wins national art contest

Carollyne Banner, resident at Sequoia Springs, an Emeritus Senior Living community, has won a national art contest held for the 500,000 Emeritus Senior Living residents around the country, according to an Emeritus press release.

More than 200 Emeritus residents entered the contest by submitting a winter-themed piece of art. Through a public Facebook contest, Banner's painting was chosen among the five that are being featured on the company's holiday cards.

"We are astounded by Carollyne's talent and creativity, and we are thrilled that her work was chosen for the Emeritus card," Tiffany Beltz, executive director at Sequoia Springs, was quoted as saying in the release.

Banner was born in El Centro on June 26, 1926, according to the release. As a child, she wanted to be a dancer and studied ballet and tap dance for four years. Banner then discovered other interests and hobbies, including painting. She has taught t'ai chi to seniors in the McKinleyville Senior Center and has also been involved with Navy League and Mensa. Banner also started a chapter of the Red Hat Society in Humboldt County.